My favorite thing to do on a trip is to hire a local photographer for an hour or two. The results are always worth every penny. For me, the best souvenir money can buy is capturing the memories made and the beauty of a particular place. So, the photo shoot I schedule on each trip is really one of the highlights for me, and something I look forward to most. So many people have asked me how this all works, so I wanted to break it down for you here.
How to Find a Local Photographer
Normally I look on Airbnb Experiences first. For big cities like Paris, London, or Rome you will see many photographers offering local photo shoots, and then you can check out their portfolio of work. They usually have links to their websites or Instagram accounts as well, so you can take a peek. If you like their style and the photos that they produce, then I would evaluate their reviews. This will give you an idea of how happy past clients were with the experience of shooting with them and with the end result of the photos. If I find a photographer I really like and want to book, I will usually book them right then and there for the day/time I would like. Sometimes they don’t have the time available that I’d like (I prefer early morning shoots for the best light and the least amount of crowds in popular places). If that is the case, then I send them a message to ask them about availability for my desired date and time.
If I’m traveling to a place that doesn’t have any photographers listed on that Airbnb, I will send an email to the hotel I’m staying at and ask them for a local photographer recommendation. This has worked well for me as an alternative. I love working with a local because it is putting money back into their economy. I’ve also found photographers on Shoott and Thumbtack.
Also, the photoshoot is like a mini walking tour, and the photographer will often share their favorite places to eat or suggest sights you shouldn’t miss visiting.
How Does it Work?
Typically, I will communicate with the photographer prior to the shoot, to talk about what kind of shots I’m looking for, and they will suggest different locations to capture. They will let me know where to meet them, and I like to let them know what I’m wearing, so they know it’s me. Then on the day of the photoshoot, the photographer will really guide what happens and take us from place to place to capture the different shots they have in mind. They normally do this same shoot for tourists many times over, so they should really have a plan in mind for what works best. The photographer will sometimes specify how many images they will edit and send to you afterward, but I prefer photographers that send all the viable shots from a session. I’ve seen them take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to turn the photos around, and they will send them via whatever file sharing service they use.
My best advice for shoots in busy tourist areas is to not bring a lot of stuff with you, as you will have to keep putting it down to take photos. You don’t want to be preoccupied with watching your stuff to make sure it’s safe while you are trying to relax and pose for great photos. Also, just go with the flow and enjoy it. If you are not having a good time, that will translate in the photos. This is supposed to be a fun experience after all!
How Much Does it Cost?
The answer to this question will vary widely based on where you are going and the degree of specialty that your photographer has. Because it’s normally a casual one-to-two-hour photoshoot, it shouldn’t be super expensive. On average I typically pay anywhere from $100-$300 for each session.
Why It’s Important…
I got sick of seeing selfie after selfie after my trips. I also sometimes feel weird about asking strangers to take photos. These professional photos add some nice variety to the trip memories. Also, for couples or families that usually have one person behind the camera the entire trip, this is a great way to get quality photos of everyone together. Also, especially if you are traveling solo, this is an ideal experience so you can capture the beautiful moments of you enjoying yourself. Whatever the scenario is, I highly recommend booking a local photographer on your travels. They will give you priceless memories to take home and treasure for years to come.